Holiday Shopping Guide

November 21, 2017

by Brennah Dallaire

For the Whole Family –

L.L.Bean Wicked Good Camp Moccasins, are the perfect gift for friends and family that enjoy getting cozy while relaxing at home. These slippers are lined with premium Australian shearling, memory foam footbeds, and durable rubber soles. L.L.Bean offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee and free shipping on all purchases. These slippers are offered in men’s and women’s sizes in several colors. The retail price is $79.

For the Coffee Lover –

Ember Temperature Control Mug is an innovative means to keep your coffee or tea hot for longer without the need to constantly microwave it. Users can adjust the temperature of the portable ceramic mug by logging into the Ember app on their smartphones. The mug comes with a charging coaster and a 30-day money back guarantee. The ceramic mug can be purchased at Ember.com, and select Starbucks locations for $79.95. Ember.com offers free shipping.

For the Outdoorsman or Outdoorswoman –

The Yeti Rambler is the perfect gift for those that enjoy the outdoors or attend Central Connecticut State University tailgating events. The 36oz. Rambler is made of 18/18 Stainless Steel, the thermos has double-wall vacuum insulation and is dishwasher safe. The Rambler features a No Sweat Design and the retail price is $49.99. The bottle can be purchased at Yeti.com or inside the L.L.Bean at Evergreen Walk, South Windsor.

For the Boardgame Enthusiast –

The popular boardgames this holiday season include Jumanji, Game of Thrones Clue and Monopoly, and The Original Mouthguard Challenge and Cards Against Humanity. These games can be purchased at Go! Calendars & Games and Amazon. These games vary in price from $15-$45.

For the Videogamer –

Gamers everywhere and anywhere can enjoy playing on the throwback gaming system, the Nintendo Switch. The Switch offers a portable gaming experience that can also easily be connected to a tv for at home high definition play. The “Joy-Con” controllers offer versatile play. The controllers can be combined into one device or separated to be used as two controllers. The Joy-Con can be used vertically, sideways with motion controls or buttons. The systems retail for $299 and can be purchased at Target, Game Stop, Amazon, or Nintendo.com.

For the Baker –

Stonewall Kitchen Holiday Jam is a favorite this holiday season. According to Brittney at the Stonewall Kitchen store in Evergreen Walk in South Windsor, the “Holiday Jam” is so popular the warehouse cannot keep up with the rate at which jars of this delicious jam are sold. The signature jam is a mixture of ripe pears, tart cranberries, and sweet raspberries and would pair nicely with a scone or muffin mix. The 12.5 oz. jar sells for $7.95 and the 4oz. jar sells at $3.50; perfect for a stocking stuffer.

Affordable Tech –

The Native Union Key Cable is a braided lightning to USB cable that also acts as a keychain. Never forget your charging cord again. This Key Cable is durable, makes charging convenient, and is reasonably priced at $29.95. This cable is available for purchase at Apple.com, Nativeunion.com and in select Starbucks locations.

Tech Splurge –

The iPhone X has finally been released. Although is back ordered until early December, those interested can pre-order it in hopes of getting it before Christmas. The retail price of the 64 GB device is $999 and can be purchased from Apple stores, online or with a cellphone service provider. Apple will also be releasing the new “HomePod”. According to an associate at the Apple store, Evergreen Walk the new Siri speaker will be available before Christmas and will go for around $300. Specs on the “HomePod” can be found at Apple.com.

Beauty –

Fenty Glow Gloss Bomb Lip Luminizer and the Tarte Limited Edition Treasure Box are best sellers this holiday season. According to Rakshan Khan, a Sales Associate at Sephora, Evergreen Walk, the Fenty Lipgloss is versatile and is flattery on all skin tones. The Tarte Limited Edition Treasure Box gives beauty buffs a sampling of the Tarte cosmetics line. The gift set features Amazonian Clay several eyeshadows, two blushes, two bronzers, a highlighter, a full-size eyeliner, a mascara and a matte lip paint. This set can be purchased $59. The Fenty lipgloss retails for $18. Both can be purchased at Sephora.

Gifts For a Cause -Gift Box is for those friends and family that are tough to shop for. The gift set includes travel size items including miniature versions of Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer. The box set benefits Feeding America. The purchase price of $45 is estimated to provide 350 meals to the charity. Kiehl’s will pledge 100% of net profits from the sale of this set benefits Feeding America, up to $100,000.

Disney x Kiehls Gift Boxes are for those friends and family that are tough to shop for. The gift set includes travel size items including miniature versions of Kiehl’s Calendula Herbal-Extract Alcohol-Free Toner, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Masque, and Ultra Facial Moisturizer. The box set benefits Feeding America. The purchase price of $45 is estimated to provide 350 meals to the charity. Kiehl’s will pledge 100% of net profits from the sale of this set benefits Feeding America, up to $100,000. Everyone enjoys pampering themselves. Other versions including different products that are a part of this fundraiser are available at Kiehl’s stores and online.

On A Budget –

Holiday shoppers can’t go wrong with giving the gift of a Starbucks gift card. Pairing the gift card with a mug and a bag of ground coffee makes for a well thought out gift. Gift cards allow you to choose your own budget. The same could be put together with products from Dunkin Donuts or a local coffee shop including the Hartford Baking Company, and It’s A Grind coffee shop.

Timeless Gifts –

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments offer a traditional but personalized gift. Hallmark stores boast dozens of themed, Christmas, holiday, sports, pop culture and musical ornaments that can decorate a Christmas tree or any home over the holiday season. They range in price and can be purchased at Hallmark stores on at hallmark.com.